Corticolous lichen communities in Algerian climax forests

The great extension of forests in the Djebel El Ghorra massif of El Kala National Park (north-eastern Algeria) allowed us to recognise three distinct forest formations: cork oak stands (Quercus suber), zeen oak stands (Quercus canariensis) and mixed oak (Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis) forest. Their peculiarities showed ideal ecological characteristics for the colonisation of corticolous lichens the two phorophytes. The three forest formations were sampled between 2017 and 2022. The identification of the taxa is based on stereo-microscopic examinations and usual chemical tests. Systematic surveys were conductedand allowed us to establish a list of 141 lichen taxa divided into 30 families.

Automated summary

The expansion of forests in Djebel El Ghorra massif of El Kala National Park in northeastern Algeria has led to the identification of three distinct forest formations: cork oak stands (Quercus suber), zeen oak stands (Quercus canariensis), and mixed oak (Quercus suber and Quercus canariensis) forest. These forests provide ideal ecological conditions for the colonization of corticolous lichens on the two phorophytes. A systematic survey conducted between 2017 and 2022 resulted in the identification of 141 lichen taxa divided into 30 families through stereo-microscopic examinations and chemical tests.